Staffordshire Police's chief constable has apologised after a bungled murder investigation has left a family without justice for 15 years.

The body of promising footballer Kevin Nunes was discovered on a country lane in Pattingham, Staffordshire, in 2002.

The 20-year-old, from Wolverhampton, had been 'pistol-whipped' and shot five times, in what police described as an 'execution-style' killing.

During the investigation into Kevin's death, five men were eventually charged with his murder and sentenced, in 2008, to a total minimum of 135 years in jail.

But in 2012, the Court of Appeal overturned the convictions after major police failings were revealed.

Now, after the release of the Independent Police Complaints Commission's (IPCC) report into Staffordshire Police's conduct, Chief Constable Gareth Morgan has now apologised for the force's failings in 2002.

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He said: "Since becoming Chief Constable, I have read in detail the IPCC report outlining their findings into Staffordshire Police’s investigation of the murder of Kevin Nunes in 2002.

"I have also had the opportunity to review associated reports and correspondence relating to Staffordshire Police.

"It is clear that following a lengthy process, both the CPS and IPCC found no evidence of corruption or criminality in the actions of Staffordshire Police. However, significant police failures were highlighted, for which, on behalf of the Force, I apologise.

"I am particularly sorry that the family of Kevin Nunes have not received justice for his death, and for the length of time it has taken these matters to reach a conclusion. I know they have been let down.

"In 2005, there were failings in the management of protected witnesses and in the disclosure of relevant material to the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts.

"Since the initial investigation things have changed. Numerous processes have been put into place to ensure all information is recorded appropriately, retained, and the necessary disclosure takes place. This follows national guidance and protocol.

"I am clear that the integrity of all our investigations must remain high, to protect the judicial outcome. As a result of the robust processes we have put in place, I am confident that this would not happen again.

"The investigation into Kevin’s murder remains open. As with all our unsolved crimes in Staffordshire these are subject to regular reviews to identify new potential lines of enquiry.

"This has been a complex and protracted matter that has also been the subject of civil claims which have now settled.